About the Kenlee Ray Library & Archives Fellows Program

The Kenlee Ray '67 Library & Archives Fellows program advances career discovery. Every spring semester the program accepts an Earlham student interested in the library, archives, or related library information science (LIS) professions. The student undertakes a 135-hour practicum and a one-credit tutorial under the supervision of Earlham Libraries administrative faculty. They also meet with Earlham LIS alumni and Career Development administrative faculty. Upon successful completion of the semester, the student receives $1500 less taxes withheld. The Kenlee Ray Library & Archives Fellows program is funded by generous donor support that yields positive outcomes for both students and the College.

Student learning goals:

Gain experience in the LIS workplace.

Explore LIS professional associations and issues.

Initiate a network of LIS professional contacts.

Develop a significant vocational relationship with an adult in the LIS profession at Earlham.

Refine interviewing, resume, and cover-letter writing skills.

Recognize the power of self-reflection and planning in terms of career aspirations.

Student outcomes:

Upon completion of the fellowship, the student will be able to:

Articulate the ways in which Earlham Libraries and Archives supports the College's mission.

Demonstrate understanding of the complex inner workings of Earlham Libraries and Archives.

Recognize the rewards of librarianship.

Address the challenges facing academic libraries and the profession of academic librarianship.

Identify the variety of career options in academic librarianship and archival work.

Express his/her own aptitudes and preferences among types of librarianship.

Pursue ongoing professional relationships within Earlham Libraries and Archives, within Earlham's librarian alumni community, and beyond to the larger network of librarians.

Institutional Outcomes:

Cultivate future professional leaders with Earlham connections.

Link current students to Earlham LIS alumni, and LIS alumni to Earlham.

Demonstrate the value of the Earlham Libraries to College recruitment and retention.

Align the Earlham Libraries with the College focus on post-graduate success.